Wondering what exactly probiotics are? \u201cProbiotics are live, nonpathogenic organisms that help improve your gut microbiome. They come in the form of yeast or bacteria and are found in certain foods and dietary supplements,\u201d Jim White R.D.N., ACSM of Jim White Fitness & Nutrition Studios<\/a> explains. The gut is filled with trillions(!) of bacteria that can interact negatively with daily life. A probiotic supplement, or \u201cgood bacteria,\u201d can help fight against those interactions, which can alleviate symptoms associated with IBS.<\/p>\n
While the causes of IBS are unknown, there is some evidence that probiotics may have a positive impact on IBS symptoms<\/a>. According to a meta-analysis of more than 30 studies<\/a>, probiotics may improve overall symptoms, including bloating and flatulence, in people with IBS. Another study<\/a> found that in addition to relieving stomach pain and other symptoms, probiotics also slowed down the transit time of the colon, reducing the average number of bowel movements per day and improving stool consistency. <\/p>\n Meet the Experts: Keri Gans, M.S., R.D.N., author of The Small Change Diet<\/a>; Jim White R.D.N., ACSM EX-P, owner of Jim White Fitness & Nutrition Studios<\/a>; Angela Graham, registered dietitian and owner of The Dispersed Dietitian<\/a><\/p>\n But not all probiotics are created equal. \u201cSince there are many different strains available, it is important to remember that if one doesn\u2019t work, another might,\u201d adds Keri Gans, M.S., R.D.N. and author of The Small Change Diet<\/a>. <\/p>\n Here\u2019s everything to know about probiotics for IBS, according to registered dietitians. <\/p>\n Dietary supplements are products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases. Be cautious about taking dietary supplements if you are pregnant or nursing. Also, be careful about giving supplements to a child, unless recommended by their healthcare provider.<\/p>\n ” data-next-head\/>Skip to Content<\/a> Amazon calls Align the #1 probiotic recommended by gastroenterologists, and nutritionist Jim White agrees. \u201cThis supplement has positive results,\u201d he tells us of Align\u2019s pro formula, which uses the brand\u2019s patented unique strain of bacteria, Bifidobacterium Longum Subsp. Longum. <\/p>\n B. Longum is known as a \u201cgood bacteria\u201d that helps break down food and absorb nutrients, which can help ease digestive discomfort. According to White, Align is \u201cthe best supplement to take if you suffer from IBS,\u201d based on existing research. He adds that it not only helps relieve painful IBS symptoms but also \u201cenhances overall well-being.\u201d<\/p>\n Active strainBifidobacterium LongumCFUs1 billion CFUsNumber of capsules63 A key factor in choosing a probiotic for IBS is how well-researched it is. According to Gans, the active ingredient in Culturelle, Lactobacillus, is in the top-two most researched strains. <\/p>\n Studies have shown the strain is effective for those with IBS, diarrheal diseases, and even Crohn\u2019s disease for its multi-symptom benefits. And at $16 a box, the price is pretty unbeatable. It\u2019s no surprise that the probiotic has over 9,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s been a year [on Culturelle] and my life doesn\u2019t revolve around the toilet anymore,\u201d writes one thankful reviewer.<\/p>\n Active strainLactobacillus Rhamnosus GGCFUs10 billion CFUsNumber of capsules30<\/p>\n Advertisement – Continue Reading Below<\/p>\n \u201cWhen looking for a probiotic you should consider taking a product that has a large CFU,\u201d Gans explains. CFUs or colony forming units measure the amount of bacteria in each active dose. The higher the CFU, the better chance the bacteria has of surviving and getting to live its best life (in your gut!). Gans\u2019 recommends \u201ca minimum of 10 billion\u201d CFUs.<\/p>\n \u201cVSL#3 has been shown do be an excellent probiotic in reducing symptoms for individuals with IBS,\u201d Gans tells us. That\u2019s likely due to its medical-grade potency and high CFU count (up to 900 billion!). Using 8 bacteria strains, VSL has positive reactions with both IBS and UC-sufferers. White also recommends this supplement as one of his favorites, and reviewers have said it makes such a difference in merely two weeks. However, because of its high-potency, this probiotic is not shelf-stable and will need to be refrigerated to stay active. <\/p>\n Based on its ingredients, it\u2019s no wonder that this option is one of the priciest. But although the cost is high, multiple reviewers said the effects were \u201cwell worth the price.\u201d<\/p>\n Active strain8 strains including Streptococcus Thermophilus, Bifidobacterium Lactis, and Bifidobacterium BreveCFUs112.5 billion CFUsNumber of capsules60 If your main IBS symptom is diarrhea, you\u2019re going to want to look for a probiotic supplement that uses Saccharomyces Boulardii\u2014a tropical yeast with over six decades of clinical research and demonstrated effectiveness in treating diarrheal diseases, even ones caused by antibiotics. <\/p>\n One reviewer says \u201cthis pill is magic.\u201d Although that specific claim cannot be scientifically backed up, 13,000 Amazon reviewers agree it\u2019s worth a try. Our one word of warning: dairy-averse stomachs should beware the product does contain lactose.<\/p>\n Active StrainSaccharomyces BoulardiiCFUs5 billion CFUsNumber of capsules100<\/p>\n Advertisement – Continue Reading Below<\/p>\n Many IBS sufferers help treat their symptoms with a low FODMAP diet. This diet eliminates hard to digest short-chain carbohydrates that can cause indigestion, bloating, or diarrhea. <\/p>\n Unfortunately, many probiotics can contain these ingredients (dairy and even some vegetable fibers!), which is why we recommend this low FODMAP choice for those who already know their dietary restrictions. This probiotic contains not one but three strains of probiotic bacteria proven to help alleviate symptoms of IBS. It also has low FODMAP-approved ingredient prebiotic Sunflower on the list, which is extra gentle on your gut.<\/p>\n \u201cI typically experience painful gas with any probiotic,\u201d begins one sensitive-stomached reviewer. \u201cBut I did not with this one. And I even took one capsule twice per day for 2 weeks.<\/p>\n Active strain7 strains including L. Plantarum, L. Acidophilus, and B. LactisCFUs50 billion CFUsNumber of capsules30 According to our probiotic vs. prebiotic<\/a> explainer, prebiotics help with constipation because they contain extra fiber that can help support your digestion and colon strength. If your IBS symptoms revolve around constipation, bloating, and cramping, including a prebiotic to the mix could potentially help.<\/p>\n The Seed DS1 capsule is a two-in-one pre- and probiotic with a whopping 24 strains for whole body health, not just digestion. The outer layer of prebiotic fiber also helps keep the probiotics active all the way through digestion, ensuring your gut gets the maximum amount of benefits possible. Although probiotics are effective while you eat them, their benefits only last while they\u2019re in your digestive tract.<\/p>\n One reviewer boasts that case has made a world of difference because it \u201cdigests in gut not stomach…effects in days not weeks. Label suggests after 3 days to increase dose to two capsules per day but have found one per day more than adequate.\u201d<\/p>\n Active strain24 strain blend of pre- and probiotics including Bifidobacterium Longum, Bifidobacterium Breve, and Lacticaseibacillus RhamnosusCFUs53.6 billion CFUsNumber of capsules60<\/p>\n Advertisement – Continue Reading Below<\/p>\n How do probiotics for IBS work? \u201cProbiotics are living microorganisms that when consumed have a beneficial effect on its host,\u201d Gans explains. They are \u201cgood\u201d bacteria that helps your digestive tract maintain a healthy atmosphere. <\/p>\n \u201cProbiotics exert beneficial effects, such as lowering intestinal pH, strengthening the gut barriers, and reducing the colonization and invasion of harmful pathogens,\u201d White adds. Probiotics also help strengthen your immune response, which can help reduce IBS symptoms before they even start. <\/p>\n \u201cAlthough much is still uncertain, research does show probiotics improved bowel habits and consistency and reduction of IBS symptoms,\u201d White concludes.<\/p>\n Is it worth taking a probiotic for IBS? \u201cProbiotics can absolutely be worth trying for those with IBS, but they won\u2019t work for everyone,\u201d explains Angela Graham, registered dietitian and owner of The Dispersed Dietitian. \u201cIBS has lots of different triggers, some of which aren\u2019t necessarily rooted in gut bacteria.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProbiotics are really part of a larger gut support plan,\u201d she says. \u201cYour best bet is to keep variables the same as much as possible \u2014 diet, hydration, sleep \u2014and try a clearly labeled probiotic with lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains since research points to those as the best. Try it for about four weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n Advertisement – Continue Reading Below<\/p>\n How to choose a probiotic for IBS \u2714\ufe0f Choose the right strain. \u201cThe most important factor in looking for a probiotic is ensuring that the product is strain and disease-specific,\u201d says White. Different strains are good for different symptoms. Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium infantis, or Lactobacillus acidophilus are the most researched strains when it comes to probiotics for IBS.<\/p>\n \u2714\ufe0f Look for high CFUs. Probiotics are measured in CFUs or colony forming units, which represent the number of bacteria per dose. When it comes to receiving benefits of probiotics, the larger the dose, the more effective the supplement. Gans recommends looking for a product that has a minimum of 10 billion CFUs.<\/p>\n \u2714\ufe0f Opt for third-party-tested probiotics. Across the board, supplements have less regulation than traditional medication and do not have to go through FDA approvals. That\u2019s why it\u2019s ideal to look for supplements that are tested by a third-party lab. <\/p>\n \u2714\ufe0f Consult your physician. First and foremost, talk to your doctor. They\u2019ll know if you\u2019re a good candidate for a probiotic, and if so, which strain is best for your particular symptoms.<\/p>\n Are there any risks to taking a probiotic for IBS? Unfortunately, due to the limited research there are some risks to taking a probiotic for IBS. Gans warns that it is possible to exacerbate existing gastrointestinal issues\u2014which is why you should always consult a physician before taking one. <\/p>\n \u201cIt is also important to note that probiotics are best when taken over a short time, specifically eight weeks or less,\u201d White says.<\/p>\n Advertisement – Continue Reading Below<\/p>\n How we chose We consulted nutrition experts Keri Gans, M.S., R.D.N., author of The Small Change Diet<\/a> and Jim White R.D.N., ACSM EX-P, owner of Jim White Fitness & Nutrition Studios<\/a> to help us figure out which probiotics were most effective for IBS. We also explored countless personal reviews from verified customers for first-hand experiences as well.<\/p>\n Why trust us For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews\u2014and often conducts personal testing done by our staff\u2014to help you make informed decisions.<\/p>\n Watch Next\u00a0<\/p>\n Advertisement – Continue Reading Below<\/p>\n Readers Also Read<\/p>\n Advertisement – Continue Reading Below<\/p>\n Advertisement – Continue Reading Below<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"6 Best Probiotics for IBS, According to Digestive Health Experts Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":277288,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[61],"tags":[147286,58987,147287,4997,982,97,873,269,147285],"class_list":{"0":"post-277287","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nutrition","8":"tag-according-to-experts","9":"tag-content-type-round-up-products","10":"tag-contentid-ce0cb4e5-f0f5-46d0-8c61-4f6cd8628665","11":"tag-displaytype-listicle","12":"tag-hasproduct-true","13":"tag-health","14":"tag-locale-us","15":"tag-nutrition","16":"tag-shorttitle-6-best-probiotics-for-ibs"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/277287","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=277287"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/277287\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/277288"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=277287"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=277287"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=277287"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}![\"Logo\"](\"https:\/\/www.prevention.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/prevention\/static\/images\/logos\/logo.a4b3f95.svg?primary=%2523000000\"){kind=logo}
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